# Barilla Pasta, Orzo > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Barilla - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Pasta & Pasta Sauce - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-orzo-16-oz - **Slug:** `barilla-pasta-orzo-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods Made from refined durum wheat (semolina/durum flour) and industrially milled, shaped and dried, with added vitamins and iron for enrichment. It contains no cosmetic additives or emulsifiers typical of ultra-processed formulations, so it fits the 'processed' category (NOVA 3). ## Review Barilla Orzo (16 oz) sits squarely in the pasta aisle, stacked with other dry pastas and nearby jars of pasta sauce, boxed soups, and rice. Packaged in Barilla’s familiar blue 16-ounce box and marketed with Italian heritage cues, it reads as a pantry staple for home cooks who want consistent, everyday performance. Orzo’s rice-shaped pieces are best known for slipping into brothy soups, but they also turn up in chilled grain salads, quick pilafs, and simple side dishes; the small shape cooks quickly and holds dressings and broths well. The brand leans on family-owned, old-world craft — “since 1877” storytelling, non-GMO project verification, and Kosher certification — positioning it as reliable, quality-focused, and aimed at mainstream families and time-pressed cooks seeking authentic Italian-style pasta. Label claims emphasize non-GMO and enrichment with vitamins and iron, giving a mild health halo of fortified nutrition without organic certification or overt “natural” or kid-focused branding. In plain terms this is a refined durum-wheat product that’s industrially milled, shaped and dried, then fortified with B vitamins and iron. Sensory notes: dry, hard rice-like grains that soften to a tender-but-firm al dente bite; neutral wheaty flavor that readily takes on sauces and vinaigrettes. Usage is ritualized — measure, boil, drain or ladle into soup — and it functions as a convenient, crowd-pleasing carbohydrate base for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and soup nights. Nutrition is straightforward: pantry-friendly calories with very low sugar and sodium naturally minimal in the dry form. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 oz - **Servings per container:** 8 - **Calories:** 200 - **Total fat:** 1g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 42g (15% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 7g ## Ingredients Semolina (Wheat), Durum Wheat Flour. Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, meal-prep-sunday, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** comforting, wholesome, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Barilla Orzo healthy? When we talk about health, it really depends on your personal goals and dietary needs. Barilla Orzo packs a solid punch with 7 grams of protein and only 1 gram of fat per serving, which is great for a pasta! It’s a good option for a balanced meal, especially when paired with veggies and lean proteins. Just remember, 'healthy' is relative — what's healthy for you might look different for someone else. ### Is Barilla Orzo vegan? Nope, Barilla Orzo isn’t vegan. It’s made from semolina and durum wheat flour, which are plant-based, but the product is not certified vegan. If you're strict about avoiding all animal products, you might want to look for a certified vegan pasta instead. ### Is Barilla Orzo gluten-free? Sadly, Barilla Orzo is not gluten-free. It contains semolina and durum wheat flour, both of which are derived from wheat. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, there are plenty of options out there made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas that can give you that pasta fix without the gluten. ### Does Barilla Orzo contain seed oils? Nope, you won't find any seed oils in Barilla Orzo. It’s made with just wheat and enriched with a few vitamins and minerals. This means it sticks to a more straightforward ingredient list, which is a plus for those who prefer to avoid added oils in their meals. ### Does Barilla Orzo contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! Barilla Orzo is made from simple ingredients without any sneaky added sugars or sweeteners. So, you can enjoy your pasta guilt-free, knowing it's just the good stuff. ### Is Barilla Orzo high in sugar? Not at all! Barilla Orzo has only 1 gram of total sugars per serving, which is quite low. This makes it a great choice if you’re watching your sugar intake while still craving something hearty. ### What are healthier alternatives to Barilla Orzo? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider whole grain or legume-based pastas, which can offer more fiber and nutrients. Quinoa or brown rice orzo could be great options, providing a gluten-free twist. Just remember, it’s all about what fits your lifestyle and dietary preferences! ### Can kids eat Barilla Orzo? Absolutely! Barilla Orzo is a kid-friendly option, especially when tossed with their favorite sauces or mixed into soups. With its mild flavor and fun shape, it can be a hit at the dinner table, and the protein helps keep them fueled for playtime! ### Is Barilla Orzo good for weight loss? In moderation, Barilla Orzo can fit into a weight-loss plan, especially when paired with plenty of veggies and lean proteins. At 200 calories per serving, it’s a filling option that can keep you satisfied without going overboard. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as with any carb source! ### Is Barilla Orzo ultra-processed? Barilla Orzo is generally considered minimally processed. It’s made with simple ingredients and lacks many of the additives and preservatives found in ultra-processed foods. So, while it’s not exactly a whole food, it’s a step up from heavily processed options. ## Related products - [Barilla Pasta, Ditalini](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-ditalini-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pasta-ditalini-16-oz - [Barilla Pasta, Farfalle](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-farfalle-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pasta-farfalle-16-oz - [Barilla Pasta, Penne](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-penne-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pasta-penne-16-oz - [Barilla Pasta, Spaghetti](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-spaghetti-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pasta-spaghetti-16-oz - [Luigi Vitelli Spaghetti, No. 8](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/luigi-vitelli-spaghetti-no-8-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/luigi-vitelli-spaghetti-no-8-16-oz - [Barilla Pastina](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pastina-12-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pastina-12-oz - [Ronzoni Pasta, Rotini](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ronzoni-pasta-rotini-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ronzoni-pasta-rotini-16-oz - [Luigi Vitelli Penne Rigate, No. 86](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/luigi-vitelli-penne-rigate-no-86-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/luigi-vitelli-penne-rigate-no-86-16-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md